Residents are being called on to return unused daily living aids to prevent them going to waste and help give them a new lease of life.
Westmorland and Furness Council is holding a special one-day-only take-back event on Friday 25 April in Penrith for residents to drop off their unused daily living aids so they can be reused to help others in need.
If you have unwanted community equipment such as commodes, toilet frames, bed levers, over-bed tables, or shower chairs, now’s the perfect time to return it. The council’s Waste and Community Equipment Services have teamed up to encourage people to return valuable equipment rather than let it go to waste. Once collected, all items will be cleaned, sanitised, and made ready for reuse, helping others in need while reducing unnecessary waste.
The drop-off point is at Unit 26 Bowerbank Way, Gilwilly Industrial Estate, Penrith, CA11 9BQ, which can also be found using what3words at ///coveted.ventures.unleashed. The event will run all day from 9am to 5pm, and a member of the council’s Community Equipment Service will be available to take returned items.
Returning equipment is quick and easy. It frees up space in your home while directly supporting those who need it most. The council has held similar events over the past year, and this latest event provides a convenient, central location in Penrith for people to return equipment they no longer need.
Walking aids, including crutches, should still be returned to your local hospital. Details on how to do this can be found at https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/news/for-crutch-sake.
For any queries, contact the Community Equipment Service on 0300 373 2726 or email equipment.service@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
Councillor Giles Archibald, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity, and Environmental Services, said:
“Many people may have community equipment they no longer need and aren’t sure what to do with. This event offers a simple, convenient way to return these valuable items so they can help someone else. By taking part, you’re not just clearing space, you’re supporting people to stay independent in their homes.
“Reusing equipment also reduces waste and demand for new materials, helping to cut carbon emissions and protect our environment. Don’t let unused equipment go to waste. Bring it back, give it back, and help us give it new life.”